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Widespread Panic — Hope In A Hopeless World
Album: Bombs & Butterflies
Avg rating:
6.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 827









Released: 1997
Length: 3:30
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Baby born in New York City
Wrapped in a blanket all tattered and worn
Mama's doin' the best she can
It takes hope in a hopeless world


Her eldest son, he stayed in school
Listened to his mother, he never drank or used
But every job he wants he gets refused
It takes hope in a hopeless world


Looking for hope in a hopeless world
Trying to find love in these hateful times
Try to stay strong but my mind is weak
Looking for hope in a hopeless world


Churches are full, but the prayers are not heard
Saturday's child don't wanna to go to Sunday school
Whatever happened to the golden rule
It takes hope in a hopeless world


D'you got a quarter for the homeless man
Spare some change for the soldiers who fought the war
Put a little money in those hats and those tins
Give them hope in a hopeless world


Looking for hope in a hopeless world
Searchin' for love in these hateful times
Try to stay strong but my mind is weak
Ease my mind, ease my mind


And on the corner there stands a young girl
The home she left was in the better part of town
Daddy did things she never talked about
It takes hope in a hopeless world


Somebody out there gotta listen
Somebody out there got to know what Pops been talkin' about
Raise your hand, raise your hands if you're with me
Give us hope in a hopeless world


You've got to listen to the voice inside
Peace and love don't compromise - realize
Time is passing by
Can't be standing still!
Comments (100)add comment
 Giselle62 wrote:

sorry, I like his voice (Stephen Stills-ish) and the musicians but this song is WAY too derivative: the "lookin' for hope" part is exactly like "Lookin' for some hot stuff" and just too much like a whole lot of other songs ——but boring!

personally keep looking for hope, "Hot Stuff" only in Mexican restaurants...not sure what there is to hate about this tune but we all have our preferences

Posted 2 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
 Giselle62 wrote:

sorry, I like his voice (Stephen Stills-ish) and the musicians but this song is WAY too derivative: the "lookin' for hope" part is exactly like "Lookin' for some hot stuff" and just too much like a whole lot of other songs ——but boring!


Amazing...someone commented about a song other than mindless adulation and it actually received some positive feedback.  I have to say that the default setting that gets the "most up thumb" comments to the top of the board is more than a little annoying.  Many songs have the "these guys are awesome" and "go see them in concert" as the top comments...its the insta-ing of the world...everyone seeking likes and followers and the most social karma...fml... 
Posted 2 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
The world sure seems hopeless right now…planet is burning…flooding…pandemic…heading for dystropia. Just trying to cheer y’all up.🥲
Posted 3 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
 fronin wrote:
На этом радио подоброна очень хорошая музыка и музыкальные компазициии Спасибо!
 
Оставайтесь и слушайте сколько угодно, всем добро пожаловать!
Posted 4 years ago by Triquel67    [ Reply ]
На этом радио подоброна очень хорошая музыка и музыкальные компазициии Спасибо!
Posted 4 years ago by fronin    [ Reply ]
 Giselle62 wrote:
sorry, I like his voice (Stephen Stills-ish) and the musicians but this song is WAY too derivative: the "lookin' for hope" part is exactly like "Lookin' for some hot stuff" and just too much like a whole lot of other songs ——but boring!

 
It's a pretty standard blues progression, so it sounds like many other songs in that respect.  The melody in the chorus long-preceded "Hot Stuff", but it wouldn't be surprising if they were influenced by that song.
Posted 4 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 floydoftherocks wrote:
Actually I have to take a 5min break until this passes.. down from a 5 to a 4...

Whoever told these guys they had talent must have been — oh, wait, I know - on drugs.

I feel like WSP concerts are just an excuse for a bunch of recreational drug users to get together..
 
Give Hatfield a listen ...... you might have a change of heart about WSP....
Posted 6 years ago by BSartiste    [ Reply ]
So appropriate for us here in the U.S. in some respects! {#Eek}
Posted 8 years ago by helenofjoy    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:
What a great band. They find nuance in the most common of rock idioms.
 
Agree!
Posted 10 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
What a great band. They find nuance in the most common of rock idioms.
Posted 10 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]


We be dancing...  love it...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]

Everybody in my church loves this song...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
Same feeling as horse to the water by george harisson
Posted 11 years ago by Sbed    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Pete Townesend.
Posted 11 years ago by earthbased    [ Reply ]

Widespread Panic - Tunes For Tots

Widespread Panic believes that art education, and in particular music education, is integral to the overall education and advancement of children. Art allows for personal expression, appreciation of ideas, celebration of cultural awareness, sharing emotions, and gives purpose to life. Widespread Panic agrees with research findings that art education supports more traditional academic subjects as well as being a worthy pursuit in its own right.


Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
sorry, I like his voice (Stephen Stills-ish) and the musicians but this song is WAY too derivative: the "lookin' for hope" part is exactly like "Lookin' for some hot stuff" and just too much like a whole lot of other songs ——but boring!

Posted 11 years ago by Giselle62    [ Reply ]
Posted 12 years ago by lunatic    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


Panic is in Denver right now...

love this song soooo much!

 
 



..where's Waldo?..(uh, i mean Panic..uh i mean, tuma)..
Posted 12 years ago by cShaggy    [ Reply ]
6.2? Really. C'mon peeps.     {#Stupid}
Posted 12 years ago by DanO-1    [ Reply ]
Love the mood of this song. 1st time hearing it. If you can believe that! Sometimes sheltered from the local scene {#Tongue}
Posted 12 years ago by ajlept    [ Reply ]
Like it.

Is anyone else hearing a little bit of "Louie, Louie, Louie, Lou-eee/Louie, Louie, Louie, Lou-ayyyyy/Louie, Louie, Louie, Lou-eee/Louie, Louie you're gonna cry" in the chorus?
Posted 12 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
Shrug.
Posted 12 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
 calypsus_1 wrote:
Jimmy Herring, 48 years old, is the lead guitarist in the band Widespread Panic. He has also played with the Allman Brothers Band, Aquarium Rescue Unit, Jazz Is Dead, Phil Lesh and Friends, The Dead, Justice League

Notable instruments:
Fender Telecaster Guitar
Fender Stratocaster Guitar
 
Terrific guitarist. I was listening to some WSP to and from the hardware store yesterday. Coulda sworn he was playing a Gibson SG. Pulls an SG tone out of a Strat. Pretty cool.
Posted 12 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
There was supposed to be an organ solo. It's not in this version. Boo.
Posted 13 years ago by TimeWaster    [ Reply ]
Looking for some hot stuff baby this evening...
Posted 13 years ago by madebytim    [ Reply ]
 Dave_Mack wrote:
I like them, and not for any jams that I've heard them do.  I like their sound, the lead singer's voice, and the songs themselves.  That said, I'd really like to see them and listen in on their live jams.  I am a musician, and I do like jamming, though it certainly can get aimless and be more fun for the players than the listeners.
  Agreed. I love to see musicians get lost in the music, but sometimes it can get to be a bit much.


Posted 13 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]

Widespread Panic's JIMMY HERRING "The Dead, Allmans, and Panic Experience"

Jimmy Herring on playing with the Allman Brothers, The Dead, and Widespread Panic and how it felt for him to "step into the shoes" of his biggest idols like Dickey Betts, Jerry Garcia, and peers like Michael Houser. Jimmy also touches on the influence of Jimi Hendrix in his life.
Posted 13 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
To me, the opening chords sound like Al Green's "Here I am" and then the lyrcs start to sound like the Stones "Heartbreaker"
Posted 13 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
I like them, and not for any jams that I've heard them do.  I like their sound, the lead singer's voice, and the songs themselves.  That said, I'd really like to see them and listen in on their live jams.  I am a musician, and I do like jamming, though it certainly can get aimless and be more fun for the players than the listeners.
Posted 13 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
I don't get the popularity of this band. Their songs sound quasi familiar to other musicians, nothing special in vocals or rythms, guitars are..ok. So what's the attraction? Another jam band with a national herd of followers?
Posted 13 years ago by Quixmundi    [ Reply ]
I Believe in RP!  Bill has the best timing, eh?  9!
Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
Love the Panic, especially from this time of their music.
Posted 13 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
 countyman wrote:

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Are you a professional drug user and don't like the fact that amatures get together?

 
hehe nice....

nah, just gettin' at my observation that these WSP concerts (of which I have been to three, I think, in various places) are more about druggin' than music. i just don't think WSP are that good (or original) and that they just happened to pick up the wave of male, amateur drug users that Phish left behind.

and fwiw i have no issues with drug use; recreational, professional, whatever..


Posted 13 years ago by floydoftherocks    [ Reply ]
 floydoftherocks wrote:
Actually I have to take a 5min break until this passes.. down from a 5 to a 4...

Whoever told these guys they had talent must have been — oh, wait, I know - on drugs.

I feel like WSP concerts are just an excuse for a bunch of recreational drug users to get together..
 
Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Are you a professional drug user and don't like the fact that amatures get together?

Posted 13 years ago by countyman    [ Reply ]
It's cowbell day on RP  
Posted 13 years ago by curufinwe    [ Reply ]
Actually I have to take a 5min break until this passes.. down from a 5 to a 4...

Whoever told these guys they had talent must have been — oh, wait, I know - on drugs.

I feel like WSP concerts are just an excuse for a bunch of recreational drug users to get together..
Posted 13 years ago by floydoftherocks    [ Reply ]

Widespread Panic & Santana - Maggot Brain, Live (2001)


Utterly amazing display of playing this cool sunny Sunday in Berkeley, CA at the Greek, 2001-10-14.
Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]


Widespread Panic II by *GRhoades
©2009-2010 *GRhoades

Widespread Panic - JazzFest 2008

Jimmy Herring, 48 years old, is the lead guitarist in the band Widespread Panic. He has also played with the Allman Brothers Band, Aquarium Rescue Unit, Jazz Is Dead, Phil Lesh and Friends, The Dead, Justice League

Notable instruments:
Fender Telecaster Guitar
Fender Stratocaster Guitar

Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
This is tolerable, but overall the only thing that makes me want to poop more than WP is their fans..
Posted 14 years ago by floydoftherocks    [ Reply ]
Nice segue...from the BM song.
Posted 14 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Right on!  WSP on Radio Paradise.  The acoustic version of this one is pretty amazing.  How about some Aunt Avis?

Posted 14 years ago by the_music_junkie    [ Reply ]

Not a bad cover...


Posted 14 years ago by stevo_b    [ Reply ]
This is a very good cover, but I do think the original with Paul Young still is a little sharper than this one.

Posted 15 years ago by simme2    [ Reply ]
This is the first song by this band that I can honestly say I like.  Woohoo!
Posted 15 years ago by TJS    [ Reply ]
WSP on the RP... Right on... Sure is a like nicer the that D$#%#$ Tori Amos
Posted 15 years ago by whtahtefcuk    [ Reply ]
all I'm hearing is blood sweat & tears


Posted 15 years ago by Dalebarely    [ Reply ]
The album that made me a WSP fan....
Posted 15 years ago by jadedragon    [ Reply ]
WSP channeling Donna Summer's "Hot Stuff"...
Posted 15 years ago by Tim_in_N_FL    [ Reply ]
Do the Wall Stree Shuffle.
Posted 15 years ago by Mack    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
lookin for some hot stuff baby this evening

wow. never thought i'd hear someone rippin off Donna Summer!
 

Came to say that, but you beat me to it. At first I thought it was a cover of the Donna Summer song.
Posted 15 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
Their live cd "Light fuse...get away" has some truly awesome music on it.
Posted 15 years ago by jr!    [ Reply ]
 Excelsior wrote:


This must be your first Widespread Panic song.
 

I agree excelsior.  And they're not listening to the words.

Posted 16 years ago by countyman    [ Reply ]
Gednabb wrote:
impressive. Didn't think a song could BE this dull.
This must be your first Widespread Panic song.
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
Yes! Aunt Avis needs to be on RP. Rocking tune! Jimmy86 wrote:
Very nice, haven't heard this in a long time! Takes me back to the mid-90s, when a lot of things were making life miserable, but music (especially AAA, of which this is definitely one) was making things bearable! Play more from Bombs & Butterflies, Bill! Radio Child is a fantastic jam, and Aunt Avis rocks, too!
Posted 16 years ago by mikedill    [ Reply ]
impressive. Didn't think a song could BE this dull.
Posted 16 years ago by Gednabb    [ Reply ]
I think I hear more cowbell...
Posted 16 years ago by LaurieinTucson    [ Reply ]
lookin for some hot stuff baby this evening wow. never thought i'd hear someone rippin off Donna Summer!
Posted 16 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Very nice, haven't heard this in a long time! Takes me back to the mid-90s, when a lot of things were making life miserable, but music (especially AAA, of which this is definitely one) was making things bearable! Play more from Bombs & Butterflies, Bill! Radio Child is a fantastic jam, and Aunt Avis rocks, too!
Posted 16 years ago by Jimmy86    [ Reply ]
im not sure what is wrong with me but i despise wsp, maybe im just too far north in va. hope in a hopeless band
Posted 16 years ago by theirishtickler    [ Reply ]
Can this really be the same band who does "Fishing?" "Fishing" is such an incredibly good song. This, on the other hand...
Posted 16 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
While this album is not my favorite, Widespread Panic has produced some incredible tunes. I'm shocked at how negative some people here have been. If you'd been to a Widespread show in Milwaukee or Seattle, maybe you'd be less judgemental. Bill, perhaps you might play something off of Everyday or Ain't Life Grand?
Posted 17 years ago by Zamoeba    [ Reply ]
Gryn wrote:
Sorry, I had to come here, out of my way, to give this song the lowest possible score I could find. This just shouldn't be played.
I kinda had the same reaction, some songs just draw you in to rating them, huh?
Posted 17 years ago by farbenblinde    [ Reply ]
"Looking for some hot stuff, baby this evening, I need some hot stuff baby tonight"
Posted 17 years ago by QueenLucia    [ Reply ]
More cowbell, less singing... please.
Posted 17 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
"It takes dope in a hopeless world" Love it. Never tire of hearing it. Repeat over and over again "It takes hope in a hopeless world. It takes hope in a hopeless world..." Your issue with repetition sounds like a personal problem. Going out of your way to leave a negative comment? "Commercial-friendly radio junk"? Umm, isn't this site called "Radio Paradise"? Hopeless little brats. Awesome song.
Posted 17 years ago by PanicForever    [ Reply ]
Sorry, I had to come here, out of my way, to give this song the lowest possible score I could find. This just shouldn't be played.
Posted 17 years ago by Gryn    [ Reply ]
Nice job by Widespread Panic, although I like the original version by Phil Roy better. Do you have that one Bill? Jrzy Tmata turned me on to Phil--he is fabulous!
Posted 17 years ago by artmarcia    [ Reply ]
So may good Widespread Panic songs and we get this commercial-friendly radio junk.
Posted 17 years ago by bigB_3    [ Reply ]
good stuff
Posted 17 years ago by sutcliff    [ Reply ]
Perfect song to follow Marley's "Trouble" rings so trueThanks RP
Posted 17 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
jbwiv wrote:
I love WP and have been a fan for years. Still remember going to see them in their early days at the Red Mile in Lexington, KY. But...this is not a good example of their best. Kinda boring, imho. Many better options out there. I'd like to see something off Everyday...maybe a lil' Hatfield?
Agreed. Maybe its just my taste, but the WP, Galactic, Medeski, Martin, and Wood selections are all their lesser stuff. I hope people don't judge Panic off of songs like Hope in a Hopeless World (studio and made for radio)
Posted 17 years ago by The_Waker    [ Reply ]
How many times can you say "hope in a hopeless world"? Repetitive songs suck.
Posted 17 years ago by littleguy    [ Reply ]
great song to follow up Marley's "So much trouble in the world"! Don't give up hope!
Posted 17 years ago by SpaceCase    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by LizDeines    [ Reply ]
Always happy to hear WP.
Posted 17 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
Yeah, yeah, life sucks. I get it. Blech.
Posted 21 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
I love WP and have been a fan for years. Still remember going to see them in their early days at the Red Mile in Lexington, KY. But...this is not a good example of their best. Kinda boring, imho. Many better options out there. I\'d like to see something off Everyday...maybe a lil\' Hatfield? :roll:
Posted 21 years ago by jbwiv    [ Reply ]
Hope in a hopeless world was not written by Pop staples. it was written by Phil Roy and Bob Thiele... from phil's web site... Of all of the songs I've been involved writing, "Hope In A Hopeless World" has always been one of my very favorites. Bob Thiele and I wrote this in an afternoon in LA in 1993. It was first recorded by Paul Young (released in the UK in 1994). It was then recorded by the late great "Pop's" Staples. His album "Father Father" which included the song went on to win a Grammy for "Best Contemporary Blues Album". Widespread Panic recorded a version of "Hope" on their "Bombs and Butterflies" album. give Phil a listen!
Posted 22 years ago by JrzyTmata    [ Reply ]